yourdaddyrobert

Has anyone had the timing belt break and bend valves? Is this a concern on the 1.5 alpha? Im due for belt changing but dealer cost is 300! Im trying to figure if I can let it wait or do it now when I have the car at the shop. (depends on the chance of bending valves)

stickshift

I believe the Alpha is an interference-type engine, which means there's a good chance valves will get bent if the belt breaks.
How many miles has it been since it was last changed? I think Hyundai recommends changing it every 60,000 miles.
As well, if you drive your car hard and spend a lot of time in the higher rev ranges, it puts more wear on the belt, which means it should be changed sooner rather than later.

yourdaddyrobert

Well car has 80k on it and I bump the rev limiter daily. So Im gonna get it done, along with AT service. Any thing else Im missing?

MechaniX_034

If you like to take things to the limit, especially like hitting the limiter, you'd be best of with a fresh belt as per the service intervals. It's better to spend US$300 on a new belt than to spend US$1300 on engine repairs bro!

smile.gif

yourdaddyrobert

yeah I hear ya, I had that happen once thats why I dont want it again. Is 300 a good price because I called 2 other dealers and was quoted 450 and 550?!?! wtf! Are these Monday prices??!! I dont see how it can vary so much between dealers. Might say screw them and go to a non-dealer shop. I expected to pay more at dealer but not that much, dammit Im gonna spend about 1k on service that doesnt make my car any faster or look any better... bummer

MechaniX_034

Well if you want to go to a non-dealer shop, you really ouhta call them to find out if they have an after-sales and service backup programme, especially if they do the job wrong; I had a case where a so-called "Tuning Garage" missed 3 teeth on a '94 Elantra's DOHC timing belt, and insisted that the customer pay to have the fault corrected. The customer came to us and we had the car ready for him in 3 hours.

If the non-dealer garage does not have an after sales and service backup programme, it would be a little wiser to pony up for some warrantied work.

Hope that helped man!

IIISpinIII

Get it done at a Hyundai Dealer!!! Trust me I tried to save some money and in the end had to have my 95 Elantra towed to a dealership...

2K3GT/2K Wagon

Get it done at the dealer, my wife's 95 Sonata needs it done again, it was done at a none dealer shop.

MaierApril

I was wondering....do they make aftermarket valves for hyundai?

MechaniX_034

Custom-spec for a valve, seat and guide set. Not really necessary unless you are going with a complete engine rebuild. wink